Domestic Violence Support in Melbourne for CALD Community
Family violence, or Domestic Violence, is a pervasive issue that affects many people across Melbourne. However, individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities often face additional challenges that make it harder to seek help. CALD refers to people from various cultural backgrounds, particularly those who speak a language other than English at home, such as migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities. These individuals often navigate unique cultural and linguistic barriers when accessing support services.
Common barriers faced by CALD individuals in seeking support for family violence include language difficulties, fear of shame or rejection from their community, cultural stigmas surrounding family breakdown, fear of deportation for visa holders, and lack of knowledge about available services. This can leave survivors feeling isolated and unable to access crucial support.
Understanding Family Violence in CALD Communities
Family violence can take many forms, and it is important to understand its various types and forms that can considered as violence. Here are a list of abuse with brief definitions:
- Verbal Abuse: The use of demeaning or controlling language to belittle or intimidate.
- Physical Abuse: Any form of physical harm or injury, such as hitting, pushing, or choking.
- Psychological Abuse: Manipulation or threats designed to control or induce fear.
- Emotional Abuse: Undermining an individual’s self-worth and emotional stability.
- Social Abuse: Isolating someone from their community, family, or friends.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling or limiting access to financial resources.
- Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted or coerced sexual contact or behaviour.
- Harassment and Stalking: Persistent, unwanted attention or contact, often designed to intimidate.
- Spiritual and/or Religious Abuse: Using religious beliefs or practices to control or harm someone.
- Cultural Oppression Abuse: Leveraging cultural norms or traditions to control or limit freedom.
- Reproductive Abuse: Preventing someone from making decisions about their reproductive health.
- Image-Based Abuse: Threatening to share or sharing intimate images without consent.
In CALD communities, extended family dynamics, religious and cultural pressures, and strict adherence to traditional gender roles may influence how family violence is perceived and experienced. Myths such as “family violence is a private matter” or “punitive violence is culturally acceptable” can be reasons why survivors aren’t seeking help.
Despite these influences, it is important to recognise that family violence is not acceptable under any circumstances. There are services in Melbourne that are created to support CALD survivors with respect for their cultural backgrounds while emphasizing autonomy, safety, and dignity. Additionally, patriarchal norms can prevent survivors—particularly those who do not fit the traditional profile of women and children—from seeking support. It’s essential to acknowledge that all survivors, regardless of gender, age, or background, deserve access to support.
Available Support Services in Melbourne
24 Hours Emergency Support
For immediate assistance and support, these services are available 24/7:
- Police (000): Call for urgent help in life-threatening situations.
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (1800 015 188 | safesteps.org.au): A 24-hour service that provides support, safety planning, and accommodation for individuals experiencing or fearing family violence.
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au): A national 24-hour hotline providing confidential counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault and family violence. Interpreter services are available.
- Lifeline (13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au): 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
These emergency services may offer access to professional interpreters to assist individuals from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Check their website or ask the staff for interpreter if you need it.
Emergency Shelter and Housing
For those requiring immediate housing or shelter due to family violence, the following services are available:
- Housing Victoria (1800 825 955 | https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/crisis-emergency-contacts): Offers emergency housing and referrals through their 24-hour phone service.
- Salvation Army Homelessness Service (https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/homelessness-support-services): Assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in various locations across Victoria. Check the website to identify contacts in your area.
- Women’s Housing Ltd (03 9412 6868 | womenshousing.com.au): Provides low-cost housing to women at risk of homelessness.
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (1800 015 188): Provides emergency safe housing for women and children fleeing family violence.
- Homelessness Statewide After-Hours Service (1800 825 955, 1800 627 727, or 03-9536 7777): Provides after-hours (5pm to 9am weekdays, all day weekends) emergency housing and support for those experiencing homelessness or family violence.
Most of these organisations offer interpreting services to ensure that language barriers do not prevent CALD individuals from accessing shelter and support.
Family Violence Services for Multicultural Community
- inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (1800 755 988 | intouch.org.au): Specialises in supporting CALD survivors of family violence. They offer legal advice, case management, and support through the legal process, ensuring that services are culturally sensitive.
LGBTIQ+ Support
- Rainbow Door (1800 729 367 | rainbowdoor.org.au): Provides support specifically for LGBTIQ+ individuals, including those from CALD communities, who are experiencing family violence. Rainbow Door offers confidential counselling and referral services for those dealing with intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and mental health issues. Their services are inclusive, providing safe spaces and support that respects cultural and sexual identities.
How Ashore Wellness Can Help
At Ashore Wellness, we specialise in providing culturally competent counselling and support for individuals from CALD communities who have experienced family violence. Our holistic approach includes the following services:
- Narrative Therapy: A therapeutic approach that helps survivors process their experiences by reclaiming and reshaping their personal stories. Narrative Therapy empowers individuals to separate themselves from the violence they have endured and rebuild their identities in a safe, supportive space.
- Mindful CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): This approach integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive behavioural therapy to help survivors manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Mindful CBT helps clients gain awareness of their thoughts and feelings while developing practical strategies to cope with the emotional impact of trauma.
- Assessment and Report Writing: In addition to therapeutic support, our accredited social worker offers comprehensive assessments for individuals affected by family violence. These assessments help in identifying the needs of the survivor and the best course of action for recovery. We also provide detailed report writing services for clients who may need documentation for legal purposes, such as court proceedings, intervention orders, or applications for services like VOCAT (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal). These reports are thorough, culturally sensitive, and tailored to reflect the unique needs and circumstances of CALD individuals.
We understand the challenges faced by survivors from CALD backgrounds, and we are taking trauma-informed approach in our services to address both emotional well-being and their practical needs for the survivors, ensuring they receive the support necessary to recover and rebuild their lives.
Family and domestic violence is a serious issue, and it is essential that CALD communities have access to support services that are culturally appropriate and accessible. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, know that help is available. Confidential, professional, and culturally respectful support is only a phone call away.
